Politics & Government

Protesters Chant for Hours Outside Romney Fundraiser

Protesters and Occupy groups from around the area protested peacefully, though loudly, outside Hotel Sofitel.

As Republican presidential hopeful Mitt Romney arrived in Redwood Shores for a private fundraising event this evening, members from the Occupy Redwood City, San Jose and Oakland had several words to say to him.

Though the protesters never got a glimpse of Romney, protesters persistently chanted for several hours with props and other noisemakers. Romney entered the well before the designated 5:30 p.m. start date, according to Redwood City Police Chief JR Gamez.

Dinner and went as high as $25,000.

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The Raging Grannies adopted "billionaire personas" and stood outside the event starting at around 4 p.m. with signs mocking people who drove in to attend.

"We won't let these protesters mock our candidate!" said "Bertha Gotrocks" in a fake falsetto voice. "I, as the 0.002 percent don't want to pay higher taxes, and he supports us!"

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Protesters wore fake fur, pearls and other garish costumes holding signs reading, "Corporations are People, Too," amongst others.

"We think by mocking them it might bring them down a rung or two," said Raging Grannies member Ruth Robertson.

Members of Occupy Redwood City also attended the protest as "pretend" millionaires, member Paige Scott said this morning.

Chief Gamez said that Occupy Redwood City has been very cooperative with the police department at this event as well as their in .

Occupy San Jose members and many trade unions also stood on the sidewalk with drums and other musical instruments to augment their chants.

Occupy Oakland members also made an appearance at the event with the mantra "Off the sidewalks and into the streets!"

They continuously marched back and forth across the entrance to the hotel, resulting in cars having to enter and exit through other places around the hotel.

Romney's chief rival for the Republican presidential nomination will be in the Bay Area on Thursday.

Rick Santorum is scheduled to attend a private fundraising event at the home of Mark and Becky Pine in Alamo, according to his campaign. Tickets range from $125 to $2,500.

Bay City News contributed to this article.

 

 

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